Faces change, not goal

But unlike past years, many of the significant changes this offseason happened away from the ice.

The Thunder will enter its ninth season with a new team president, head coach, broadcasters, trainer, equipment manager and other personnel, and the franchise has a new NHL affiliate - the New York Islanders. The Thunder begins training camp on Monday at Stockton Arena and hosts the season opener Oct.19 against the Colorado Eagles. And now with everyone off the ice pretty much in place, Stockton is getting ready to play hockey.

"Sure it's been busy, but we've got a good team on and off the ice and now we're just concentrating on getting ready for the season," said Brian Sandy, who became Thunder president in July. "It's different, and exciting."

Stockton's goal of securing an ECHL Kelly Cup championship hasn't changed, and nine players are signed who played last season as the team went to the league finals.

But there were plenty of high-profile moves in the front office and on the hockey staff.

Sandy replaced Dan Chapman, the first employee after the team was established in 2005, who became associate athletic director at University of the Pacific. Matt Thomas left as head coach to take the same position with the University of Alaska-Anchorage, and Rich Kromm came in. Two others who had been with the club since its move to Stockton - trainer Kevin Anderson and broadcaster Mike Benton - also left, with veteran trainer Dennis Brogna and broadcasters Brandon Kisker and Caleb Lamb joining the organization. Corby Antropik replaces Brennan Cody as the equipment manager.

"It's certainly been a very busy offseason for us, but everything has settled down and now we're excited the season is near," owner Brad Rowbotham said. "We've had people move on to other opportunities, and I think we've brought in some great people to help us move forward."

Sandy took over a franchise that never has been out of the top five in the ECHL in attendance, and he said he is making plans to reach out to fans. Some changes already have been announced, most notably the Fan Fest, usually held in the preseason, which will move to sometime during the season and be more of a skills competition. The team will hold a free scrimmage for fans on Wednesday and a "Select A Seat" event on Saturday.

"It's obviously a great fan base, and we hope to introduce some new things that they will enjoy," Sandy said.

Fans are anxious to see what the new management team has planned, according to Robert Holzer, president of the Thunder Hockey Booster Club.

"We know some things will be different, but we love the Thunder and want everything to go well," Holzer said. "I had lunch with Brian Sandy, and he very much seemed to appreciate the input. I'm very happy about that."